New York has reported its first case of the newly discovered XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been spreading globally. However, health officials say the greater threat remains from dominant strains, like KP.3.1.1, which continue to drive most infections across the state.
In September, upstate regions such as the Finger Lakes have seen a sharp rise in COVID hospitalizations, with numbers increasing by 11% since late August. Despite the concerns around XEC, the state’s overall COVID patient count has held steady, particularly in New York City.
As the fall approaches, officials urge New Yorkers to get the updated COVID vaccines, which are now available for scheduling at major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.